Tent dispays

Shamus

08/05/2012 at 19:49

Hi does anyone know of any good shops where I can go and look at some backpacking tents which are fully set up
I live in Cheshire but don't mind traveling if the shop has a good range to check out
Cheers Sean

StoneHuggingHippy

08/05/2012 at 19:57

I guess it depends on what tents you're considering to some extent, my local Go Outdoors has quite a large indoors display but it's mostly budget and family tents, Vango and HiGear etc.

Include a little history in your walks. Pecsaetan - Ancient Derbyshire, Staffordshire and South Yorkshire - http://pecsaetan.weebly.com/

Paddy Dillon

08/05/2012 at 20:03

Hmmm... There's a shop in Ambleside that stocks some really good tents, but they don't have much of a display space. However, I've been in there TWICE when people have asked to see tents erected, and the staff have pushed shelves out of the way, unpacked tents, and erected them on the floor for the customers to poke around at. Even then, on BOTH occasions, they didn't make a sale, and didn't seem at all aggrieved at all the work they'd done. A pity I can't remember which shop it is... and there are so many in Ambleside... but it's on the same central square as the Rohan shop.

Tall PC

08/05/2012 at 20:22

F&T is the only shop on that Rohan square with the steps up to it that sell tents. The assistants there do come up to you asking if they can help but it just comes across as just to get a sale. They didn't seem to stock many gd tents when I went.
In the lakes Dales and n lancs areas planet fear/ultimate in Keswick, Skipton and Lancaster will either have tents on show or will put them up in the shop. I've had the lancs ppl holding all the pegging points of a f10 helium while I tried it for size. Only,to not get it.
George Fisher and Cotswold in Keswick have displays of tents. Also they will put other tents up in the shop if you ask.
the planet fear shop used.to have quite a selection up out back when it was ultimate outdoors.
Kendal camping sells car camping tents, vango, force10, wild country, jw, Rubens in their decent sized showroom.
There used to be a big shop in Blackburn too as it had a decent stock too. Think it's go outdoors now.
Not in your area but perhaps you cld work your way up and stay up in the lakes for some walking as well as shopping. I hope this helps.

Shamus

08/05/2012 at 20:22

I looking at aces different 2 man tents just thought there might be somewhere that has a good range set up
My local go outdoors has a lot of big tents but not many smaller ones
I've been looking at the vago spirit 200+ the force 10 nitro msr hubba hubba
Something that fits 2 comfortably and has a decent porch

Paddy Dillon

08/05/2012 at 20:25

Thanks TP... F&T... that was the one.

There's also one in Keswick where they pitch tents on a wooden floor upstairs. It's a bit scary, because they unroll the tents, then they drill holes all around the wooden floor to hold the pegs. One day it will be like on the cartoons, where a big circular chunk of the floor will go crashing down!

Matt C

08/05/2012 at 20:25

I've not been in myself for a couple of years but, for Cheshire, it could be worth trying The Adventure Centre, Warrington (who trade online as cheaptents.com, but don't be put off by the name - they stock a pretty decent range). The bricks and mortar shop always had an upper floor devoted to a tent display, from backpacking models to family units. It might be worth giving them a call to check that's still the case, and to ask if they'll pitch any you want to see that they don't have out already.

Tall PC

08/05/2012 at 20:28

Ooh! I don't know that one Paddy. Whereabouts is it? A new tent shop for me to visit. Woohoo!

Shamus

08/05/2012 at 20:28

Ok cheers guys

Tall PC

08/05/2012 at 20:29

There's something in Liverpool 20 years ago at least. Was it up Oxford road?

Peter Clinch

08/05/2012 at 20:56

Alpenstock in Stockport may be worth getting in touch with. I've never visited in person but they're amazingly helpful by 'phone and email, stock a good range of tents and have as good as any prices for Hillies as you'll find in the UK. So drop them a line and ask if they can set up examples for you.

Pete.

Shamus

08/05/2012 at 21:16

Cheers Pete I've sent them an e mail

Shamus

09/05/2012 at 07:33

I've found what looks like a good store reasonable prices
Outdoor megasore in Bootle or online about an hours drive from me they are happy to erect tents so I can have a try before I buy

Tall PC

09/05/2012 at 10:20

Seen that one. Been around for donkeys. Shld be ok. Looked a little family/car camping to me. That was 20+ years ago if same place.

Shamus

09/05/2012 at 13:46

I've looked on web site although very basic they do a lot of van go backpacking tents but I agree they do look more caravan club type place
They haven't replied to my email which might say the same
Alas my quest continues

geekinthesticks

09/05/2012 at 14:07

Cotswold are having a tent display at Bridgemere from 5th to 27th May.

See: http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/pages.events/sub/tent-shows?cm_mmc_o=4zbkltBfCjCmfBywjHMwEfCjCawEfmjPFwyw1lfCjCPybT-pp

NB Bridgemere is just south of Nantwich, near Woore for those that don't know.

Matt C

09/05/2012 at 16:18

Was the Adventure Centre no good?

Shamus

09/05/2012 at 16:34

Hi Matt
Just got a reply from the adventure centre they have about 15 tents set up and are more than happy to itch any tent I want to look at they seem very helpful and have a good selection
Fingers crossed I'll post the outcome I'm going on Friday

Matt C

09/05/2012 at 17:25

Good luck, hope you find what you're after

Shamus

11/05/2012 at 13:20

Just an update
Went to the adventure company very helpful they had about 15 tents on display and also set up a few I was interested in
Ended up buying the MSR Holler perfect for what I was looking for very roomy light enough for wild camping packs down small and a cinch to put up although it is inner first
Cheers for the advice everyone
Sean

Your say

Terms and Conditions | Code of Conduct

Email me when a response is made?

Shopping

Most popular

Competitions

Promotions